JUNE 2, 1997

Berger's nose job

BENETTON driver Gerhard Berger has undergone surgery for sinus problems, but is expecting to be to fit and well again in time for the Canadian Grand Prix in two weeks. Berger is currently at home in Monaco recovering from the operation which was forced upon him because of painful inflammation of his sinuses. He is not expected to be able to do any testing before Montreal but with 13 seasons of F1 behind him Gerhard should not be at a disadvantage, although the operation will disrupt his training program which may affect his stamina.

It is not the first time the 37-year-old Austrian has had surgery in the middle of an F1 season. In August 1993 Gerhard had to have an operation on an elbow between races because of problems caused by the constant banging of it on the side of the cockpit of his car.